Friday, September 7, 2012

Game 138: Marlins at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

Stephen Strasburg takes the mound against the Marlins tonight at Nationals Park.

So, you may have heard something about the Nationals planning to shut down Stephen Strasburg before the end of the season. I'm told it's been mentioned a handful of times in the national media over the last few months. Which would seem to make Strasburg's start tonight against the Marlins (his final scheduled home appearance of the season) kind of a big deal.

A large crowd is expected to see the 24-year-old take the mound at Nationals Park for the last time in 2012. And there appear to be plenty of those national media members here to chronicle the event.

Meanwhile, the Nationals' lineup will look to continue its torrid pace. Over the last nine games, that group has produced a .351 average, 1.029 OPS, 24 homers and 70 runs. They'll take their hacks at rookie right-hander Jacob Turner, who enters tonight's game with a 7.75 ERA in eight career starts.

7:08 p.m. -- And we're underway with a 95 mph fastball outside from Stephen Strasburg to Bryan Petersen. Big roar for the right-hander when he took the mound and was introduced. The crowd is still filing in from Half Street, but it looks like it's going to be a big gathering tonight.

7:19 p.m. -- Well, that wasn't quite what Strasburg had in mind: a 24-pitch top of the first in which two runs scored. It started with a leadoff walk -- does anybody ever remember walking the first batter of ANY game he's started? -- and went downhill from there. Jose Reyes singled to right. Giancarlo Stanton roped an RBI double past Ryan Zimmerman's glove. And Carlos Lee brought the second run home on a sacrifice fly to the first baseman. Yes, you read that right. It was a pop-up into shallow right field, with Adam LaRoche, Danny Espinosa and Jayson Werth all going after the ball. LaRoche wound up catching it while colliding with Espinosa and couldn't spin around to make a solid throw to the plate in time to get Reyes tagging. Really, Werth has to make that play. He's got all the momentum going in the right direction. A frustrating start to Strasburg's night. He and the Nats trail 2-0.

7:30 p.m. -- Zimmerman buys Strasburg (and everybody else in attendance) a round of cortisone shots. He also gets Strasburg off the hook for his shaky top of the first, crushing a 2-1 fastball from Jacob Turner deep to left for his 19th homer of the season. It's a 2-run blast, tying this game 2-2 after one. And it's the 15th home run hit by the Nationals over their last 25 offensive innings.

7:39 p.m. -- And Strasburg gives a run right back in the top of the second, serving up a solo homer to rookie Rob Brantly on a first-pitch fastball right down the middle. This crowd is fairly stunned as the Marlins take a 3-2 lead. Strasburg has given up 10 runs (eight earned) over his last seven innings against Miami.

8:02 p.m. -- Wow, it's over. After only three innings, Strasburg is done. He was roughed up for another two runs in the top of the third, including a Stanton home run (is that guy a beast, or what?). Things got so bad, Davey Johnson had Zach Duke warming in the pen before the inning even ended. Strasburg got out of it, but he was due-up to lead off the bottom of the third. Instead, Corey Brown grabbed a bat and stepped into the on-deck circle. So his final line for the night: 3 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 2 HR, 67 pitches, 37 strikes. This crowd is stunned and doesn't really know how to respond. They never got a chance to give Strasburg an ovation as he departed his final home start of the year. It's 5-2 Marlins.

8:20 p.m. -- Well, Zach Duke is getting a chance to pitch in front of a lot more fans than he's used to. The lefty didn't exactly respond well, either. He walked Ruggiano, then served up a triple to Reyes. That makes it 6-2 Marlins in the fourth. By the way, here's your stat of the night, the ERAs for all five members of the Nationals' rotation since the All-Star break: Ross Detwiler 2.79, Gio Gonzalez 3.05, Edwin Jackson 3.47, Jordan Zimmermann 3.67, Stephen Strasburg 3.73. Yep, he's been the least-effective of the entire group.

8:37 p.m. -- So, the Marlins just stole three bases in the fifth inning while leading by four runs. If they led by just one more run and did that, the Nats would be obligated to incite a bench-clearing brawl, right?

8:43 p.m. -- Meanwhile, the Nats have done nothing against Turner since the first inning.

8:59 p.m. -- Well, they threatened in the sixth, with Zimmerman sending a two-out triple to right field and LaRoche drawing a walk to bring Morse to the plate in a big spot. But he flied out to center, so that killed that rally. It remains 6-2 Marlins as we move to the seventh.

9:10 p.m. -- Duke has certainly done what the Nats needed from him tonight. He's churned out four innings of one-run ball, helping save the bullpen. It's weird, the Nats only trail by four runs at the seventh-inning stretch, but it sure feels like more than that. Maybe it's fitting that the official paid attendance was announced as 28,533. I swear, it looks like there are at least 33,000 here. How could there be 13,000 empty seats? Did everyone cash in their Red Carpet Rewards and get freebies tonight?

9:32 p.m. -- Maybe I spoke too soon. I wasn't counting on Ozzie Guillen handing the ball to Carlos Zambrano. We've got a ballgame again, cause Big Z gave up hits to all three batters he faced, with all three eventually scoring. That trimmed the lead to 6-5 and gave Harper and Zimmerman the opportunity to drive in the tying run (or more). Except lefty Mike Dunn buckled down and struck out Harper on a 96 mph fastball -- when's the last time Bryce K'd on a fastball in the zone??? -- and got Zim to ground into a fielder's choice. So the Nats are still trailing, but only by one run as we go to the eighth.

9:43 p.m. -- Ryan Mattheus comes up big and strikes out Stanton with two on and two out in the top of the eighth. That keeps the deficit at one run as we move to the bottom of the inning.

9:55 p.m. -- And Morse ties this game up with a blast into the right-center field bleachers. Nationals Park explodes as he rounds the bases on his 13th homer of the season, his 10th hit to the right of straightaway center field. It's 6-6 as we go to the ninth, Drew Storen now in from the bullpen.

10:04 p.m. -- And just when it looked like Storen was going to blow it, Bryce Harper saves the day with his arm. Gunned down Dobbs at the plate to prevent the go-ahead run from scoring in the top of the ninth. The crowd went nuts again. We go to the bottom of the ninth in a tie ballgame. Chad Gaudin (?!) will pitch for Miami.

10:17 p.m. -- You don't hit a walk-off against Chad Gaudin. You just don't. Harper lines out to center. Zimmerman strikes out. We go to the 10th.

10:36 p.m. -- And the Marlins get to Tyler Clippard (pitching in a non-save situation). Petersen and Ruggiano each delivered one-out singles, then Reyes roped a 2-run triple to left-center, then Lee sent a sacrifice fly into foul territory deep in left field. (Question: Should Morse have just let that ball drop foul? He never had a shot to throw out the runner at the plate.) So now the Nats trail 9-6 and are down to their final three outs.

10:52 p.m. -- Well, they certainly made it interesting, scoring one run in the 10th and loading the bases with one out. But Roger Bernadina struck out on three mighty swings against Steve Cishek, and Werth chased a pitch way out of the zone to end the game. The Nats lose 9-7 in 10, and their lead in the NL East is down to 6 1/2 games.

I am well aware that any team can win on any given day - but, it would seem that maybe the hitters are in the clubhouse drooling a little at your description of the pitcher they are facing. This offensive stuff is fun! I think that may have been the most run support Jordan has ever gotten as a pro last night. I was so glad when, after he gave up a run, they answered right away. Gave him a couple of innings to get it together - which he did. His velocity was wicked last night - I could swear I saw 97. But I guess we are supposed to be wearing black armbands and mourning about Strassie today, right? Hope he can limit Reyes and Giancarlo.

Got new posted, will try again ...I have tix to tonight's game, and have always taken the Red Line in the past. Am I reading correctly that it will close at 10 tonight?. If so, what do folks recommend for parking? (Seems like I have seen references to the "Concrete Plant" here?)

Green Line service to and from Navy Yard-Ballpark will operate normally with no scheduled track work all weekend. However, customers who normally transfer to the Red Line after the game should be aware of the following:

Starting at 10 p.m., free shuttle buses will replace trains between Dupont Circle and NoMa-Gallaudet U stations. As a result, Red Line trains will operate in two sections:

Between Shady Grove and Dupont Circle stations every 10 minutes between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., and at regular weekend intervals at other times. Between Glenmont and NoMa-Gallaudet U stations every 10 minutes between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., and at regular weekend intervals at other times.

The following stations will be affected:

Dupont Circle - open for rail service to/from Shady Grove only Farragut North - closed Metro Center - open for Blue/Orange line service only (NOTE: The station entrances at 11th & G St NW and 13th & G St NW will be closed. The entrances at 12th & G St NW and 12th & F St NW will remain open.) Gallery Place - open for Green/Yellow line service only (NOTE: The station entrance at 9th & G St NW will be closed. The entrances at 7th & H St NW and 7th & F St NW will remain open.) Judiciary Square - closed Union Station - closed NoMa-Gallaudet U - open for rail service to/from Glenmont only

To avoid delays, customers traveling to Red Line stations from Fort Totten to Glenmont are strongly encouraged to remain on the Green Line to Fort Totten for connecting Red Line service. Customers transferring to the Blue and Orange lines are advised to transfer at L'Enfant Plaza, rather than connecting between Gallery Place and Metro Center.

DaveB -- Others can give away their secret free parking spots if they want, but my advice is to take a look at the Nats website and park at either the $10 lot (down by 6th and M SE) or the $5 lot (less than your metro fare probably)(under the free way off of S. Cap. St). It's going to be a nice night and the walking time isn't bad at all.

To get to the concrete plant area, take the SE Freeway/I-695 to the South Capitol Street exit.

After you get onto South Cap, QUICKLY merge into the right lane so you can turn right on M Street.

Right on M, then left across the oncoming traffic onto Half Street. You'll see a sign telling you not to enter First during Nats Park events, except local traffic. Unless there are cops around, ignore it.

Take Half Street through a sketchy neighborhood, all the way past Potomac Avenue, to T Street. Right on T, then right on First. there should be plenty of spots on First. if you feel lucky, continue back up First to S, and turn right there; there should be spots available there if you get there early enough.

I barely got to the park on time for first pitch yesterday, but still had no problem getting a spot on First.

There are also lots of metered spaces at the Homeland Security building at T and Half.

You have to feed the meter until 6:30. If you have a smart phone, you can download the Parkmobile app to pay by credit card through your phone - takes a little practice, but it's handy. I think the meters are a dollar an hour, so if you get there at 5:00, you get full game parking for under two bucks.

DaveB. I park in the T or U lots (see Nats Parking map). It's around 20 bucks, but a quick walk, just 2 blocks N of M Street. Only drawback: the traffic getting out post-game is pretty messy: there's always a back-up by folks waiting to go north on 2nd (3rd?) St to get on the SW/SE Freeway -- and it blocks the exits to the lots -- at least for those wanting to turn left out of the lot. You must depend upon the tender mercies of one of those drivers to let you into the line. Alternative is to turn right out of the lots, go down to M, turn right on M & then right again on New Jersey up toward the Rayburn Bldg. & Independence Ave. This works if you're headed to VA; don't know if (or how) it would work to get you to MD.

Peric - it's HH lot, and as you say, it's normally five bucks. Except when the Yankees are in town. Then the thieves demand ten.

Good place to park, though - it's covered, only about 1/2 mile from the park, and you have lots of company walking along South Cap in the dark, so even single women shouldn't be nervous about parking there.

I should have mentioned that you need to be taking the SE Freeway traveling EAST, i.e., from the general direction of the 14th street bridge. If you're traveling west, there's no exit to South Cap off the SE Freeway. Hope that doesn't mess DaveB up, though I suspect not, since he said he normally takes the red line, so I assume he's coming from the north and would be naturally inclined to be going in the right direction. DaveB, if this gets you all messed up, please be advised global warming is to blame.

Candide @ 7:35: that's exactly what's happening. And it just shows the fraudulence of the national sports media's "coverage" of Strasdown that they have virtually or totally ignored that very visible factor ever since it appeared with a vengeance after the ASB (which is exactly how it occurred with JZimm last year).

The point is that on top of the wear and tear on his arm if he were to go longer, the Nats would be rolling the dice on his performance, especially in the playoffs. Pitching him then would be like Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans, and you might get vomit or earwax.

Interesting that when Carp wondered if Stras might pitch again after the 12th, FP responded asking if Stras would even pitch again. (Which was actually a bit silly in that not only is he now short of 160 (and 162), it's against all of Davey's pitcher handling to end his season not only on such a low note, but prematurely relative to everything the team has said before. Doubt very much that will happen,mbut this is the shortest he's pitched this year.

Steady Eddie said...Candide @ 7:35: that's exactly what's happening. And it just shows the fraudulence of the national sports media's "coverage" of Strasdown that they have virtually or totally ignored that very visible factor ever since it appeared with a vengeance after the ASB (which is exactly how it occurred with JZimm last year).

I have less and less respect for the media all the time, and that's true even if you exclude politics from the mix.

Jeez, Davey needs to pull Duke after this inning for that kind of obliviousness to base runners. Doesn't matter that no runs scored on the bunt or in the inning. Holding runners is a huge issue for the whole pitching staff, and he can't be gunning for a playoff spot, or even a spot start, and show he doesn't get such a crucial issue for the squad.

I just have never felt he gives his all in the field. Tonight, he might have been able to get that double on the line, but maybe not. Might just be my perception based on prior (potentially erroneous) observations.

Some one actually suggested the reverse lock earlier today. This is not the first time the Nats have had trouble with some young , green pitcher with a high era. Falling too much in love with hitting home runs. Maybe time to play some guys in the dugout who are chomping at the bit.

Sure we have two years ago. But he may have been told to avoid it? All of his serious injuries incurred while playing the outfield with abandon. Especially running into the wall with Seattle. Cost him an entire season.

I don't know Mick but knowing Davey he will use every opportunity to see what he has relative to selecting his playoff roster. Right now I think Christian Garcia makes the team. That may mean he gets replaced in the AFL. Burnett might be left off. As far as middle relief? They only need 4 starters, but Davey may go with two long guys just in case ...

I still am disturbed by Dale Sveum and I am assuming Theo Epstein will show him the door at season end. I have never heard of any coach at any level complain about a team trying to score with a 5 run lead in the middle of a game. I hope there was more to this because if not, this becomes surreal

If the Nats bring back Laroche next season, I suspect The Beast will be part of a trade package. However, Laroche may be a difficult sign because there aren't many free agent first baseman available for next season. He will be looking for an Adam Dunn type contract--4 years, $56 million. I doubt Rizzo will be willing to go that high.

That's the thing. Davey might convert Gorzo to short left-handed relief. Gorzo has the same velocity as Burnett and along with Micahel Rodriguez that would give you two lefties. Then you'd have Clippard, Mattheus, Storen and Garcia on the right side. That's six. Then you pick two long guys (Stammen and Duke/Lannan) plus the four starters.

Or they could just leave Garcia and Duke off the playoff roster and just leave Burnett off due to injury. BUT, Davey likes a fully populated bullpen loaded for bear.

We know who the four starters. But the bullpen?

I can see Davey picking Garcia as a filthy stuff replacement for H-Rod.

Mick, I agree, re-sign Laroche. However, the mutual option for next year won't do it. It needs Laroche's agreement and he won't agree because he can get more years and bigger bucks by becoming a free agent. At 33, he will be looking for security.

Morse is not good enough to keep. Bad outfielder and I think Tyler Moore or Shark can out WAR him

That's because both you and Scott are wrong Natslady.

Sure, Tyler Moore is younger and could be a huge power threat in the middle of the lineup, but he is still not comfortable in the outfield and you should know that since you are the one who always wanted Ankiel (NO BAT. NO NAT) in the game. Moore is not as good as Morse in left field. Moore is exclusively a first baseman.

The Shark? He was given the chance to start on multiple occasions over the past three years. He seems to have found his niche as fourth outfielder. He may be the best left fielder but he will never hit for the kind of power that Morse does.

And IMO Zimmerman is moving to first base so? Its Moore who seems most likely to be moved. Bernadina next because of the value he generated this year and because they do have Brown and Perez. I don't think LaRoche comes back ... not with Rendon close and he may opt to test the free agent waters?

The Nats do not have a closer this year. They need to shelve their whole hierarchy and let their most apt guys pitch at the ends of games. Clippard seems to get hammered, over and over and Storen hasn't been much better. I guess they were due for some bad luck, but it always seems to be the Marlins.

I don't have much faith in either Storen or Clippard in a close game unfortunately.

Is that the standard? Great stoppers blow a couple a year. He is decent based on Whip, but he has also been fortunate in my opinion. Clippard was very shaky just after the All Star break in several games.

Post a Comment

About the Author

Mark Zuckerman has covered the Nationals since the franchise arrived in D.C. He's been a member of the Baseball Writers' Association of America since 2001 and is a Hall of Fame voter. Email mzuckerman@comcastsportsnet.com.